“Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle.”
“Because a loveless world,” said Jesus, “is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me.
~ John 14:23 (The Message)
This past Friday, our younger daughter got married. The Spirit of the Lord was so present at every single step of this amazing journey. Relationships were strengthened, people were brought together for an incredible celebration of love that our daughter and her (then) fiance’, designed with our pastor. It incorporated elements from both of their faith traditions. The scriptures chosen were beautiful and held deep meaning for us as a family. The music was different and fit perfectly. The musicians were incredible harpists and organist, friends, amazing. Blessed and a blessing. I cannot say enough about how incredible this celebration of love bloomed, a beautiful bouquet of God’s making.
The weeks leading up to the wedding were full of surprises, challenges, cancellations. And, as we experienced with everything in this unique time in history, the people that were supposed to be there were there. So many answered prayers, so much harmony, so much love, so much unbridled joy.
I was privileged to be asked, along with the father of the groom, to be one of the readers at the ceremony. The scripture I was assigned was Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Capable Wife). It was the scripture that my husband used in our courtship to measure where I weighed in on the role. It was the scripture I read at my Aunt’s funeral service. It is a life goal. With each verse, I saw different elements of our beautiful daughter’s gifts, and those of the women of our family.
The father of the groom was asked to read Ephesians 5:25-33. It begins “Husbands, love your wives…” and ends with wives, respect your husband.” These scriptures were delivered with smiles and tears. I saw the way that my new son-in-law already puts this scripture into action and I was so moved. In short, it was a love fest in the deepest sense. The reception was no different. So much love, no assigned seating, no traditional dancing, cake cutting, or cake. A beautiful backyard reception full of love and laughter. Another miracle. The breakfast with family the next morning (which is traditional in my husband’s family,) was just as much of a miracle. Relationships healing, love at the foundation, love triumphant.
As your day progresses when you read this, look for the love, allow it to wash over you, welcome God into your neighborhood heart and home. The result will be nothing short of a miracle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0XoYR3UF8
Fly Me to the Moon – Imagine this, twin harps, not so jazzy as part of the pre-wedding music!
Because of Him,
Linda
Because of Him 